For Historic Preservation Leadership and Advocacy
Frances Senter and Shirley Simmons have been the driving force behind every Fuquay-Varina historic preservation effort for as long as anyone can remember. Frances, a life-long resident, and Shirley, a retired history teacher, are motivated by a deep appreciation and love for Fuquay-Varina’s unique historic resources and a passion for Fuquay-Varina’s history.
Both belong to the Fuquay Springs Quester Chapter #1134 and the Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club, two organizations that share their commitment to the preservation of Fuquay-Varina’s historic resources. Both have been the recipients of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizenship Awards which recognizes Fuquay residents who have made a long-term commitment of service to the community.
When it came time to select the co-chairmen for this year’s Fuquay-Varina Centennial Commission, Frances and Shirley were the logical choices. Working with the Commission and its Repository Committee, they orchestrated the founding of the Fuquay-Varina Centennial Museum which opened to much acclaim in June, 2009. They were also instrumental in the effort to save, relocate and rehabilitate the c. 1902 Fuquay Springs Post Office which joins the Ballentine Schoolhouse and Centennial Museum in the Town’s Museum Complex.
Other Centennial projects in which one or both played a leading role include the preparation of the Fuquay-Varina Centennial Calendar; and the research and writing for A History of Fuquay-Varina, which Shirley co-authored with Shirley Hayes. Another project which Shirley began while teaching school and which continues today is an oral and video history project. The plan is to create a DVD from the interviews and other resources.
Whether it be their effort to gather photographs and stories for the centennial calendar and the centennial history, or to build a collection for the Centennial Museum, or furnish the restored Post Office, or corral one more homeowner into participating in CAP’s 2009 Landmarks Tour of Fuquay-Varina, one thread which binds together all their efforts is their single-minded commitment and determination to preserve the material culture of the Fuquay of yesterday and today for the growing Fuquay-Varina of tomorrow. As Fuquay-Varina’s centennial year winds to a close, one can only wonder what their next project will be.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2009 Anthemion Award to Frances A. Senter and Shirley D. Simmons for Historic Preservation Leadership and Advocacy.